HOWMEGROWN TOURS MVI / Heading to Martha’s Vineyard? Whether this is your first visit or you’re looking for a more in-depth exploration of the island on a return excursion, look no further than HomeGrown Tours. Owner Operator Delores “Dee Dee” Borza will join you and your fellow travelers in your vehicle or hop aboard her new luxury bus, (handicapped accessible!) and let Dee Dee chauffer you to all points of interest as she regales you with commentary both historical and humorous. A third-generation native Martha’s Vineyardian, Dee Dee knows the ins, outs and in-betweens of island life, geography, best beaches, photo spots as well as eats. Her very personable manner and approach will put even the most staid of visitors at ease, feeling relaxed and appreciative of her “one of a kind” view of the island.
By way of testimonial, I recently brought a group of high school age students and their chaperones for a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard. As a Group Tour Operator for more than 30 years, I had only been to MV once many years ago. Not feeling confident in my ability to provide the type of experience that my groups have come to expect while touring with me, I researched many possible guide services online. After perusing her website, then speaking with Dee Dee on the telephone, I concluded that HomeGrown Tours would be a good fit for my group. Dee Dee met our group at the dock when we arrived via the Steamship Authority, boarded our tour bus and, over the course of the next 10 hours provided an in-depth immersive experience on all that is MVI. In addition to touring on our motor coach with us, Dee Dee conducted several small walking tours at various points of interest on the island. We started with a stroll through the historic Gingerbread Houses and Trinity Park Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs with a stop at the Cottage Museum. A ride on the “Flying Horses”, (America’s Oldest Carousel) was a treat for the young and young at heart with the opportunity to “grab the lucky Brass Ring!” Knowing that students enjoy some independent time for shopping, she gave our group some leisure time along Circuit Avenue before heading to Inkwell Beach for some sun and fun in the surf. Dee Dee arranged for box lunches to be delivered to the beach where the students took a break from swimming to re-charge and enjoy the fresh watermelon that arrived with our lunch. A nice, thoughtful touch was arranging for our group to shower and change clothes at a local YMCA before heading out aboard our motor coach to other “must see” island attractions.
A highlight was driving by the locations where the filming of “Jaws” took place – and the first-hand details that Dee Dee related as she was one of the local “extras” appearing in the film’s iconic “Everyone out of the water!” scene. A photo stop at the Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook and a climb to the top of the Gay Head Lighthouse provided a nice contrast to the more inhabited areas of the island that we visited.
As any seasoned traveler knows, half the fun of experiencing a new destination is taking a break at the end of a long day to enjoy a meal with your traveling companions. Dee Dee arranged for our group to enjoy a fine meal at the most hospitable and affordable Ocean View Restaurant, (16 Chapman Avenue, Oak Bluffs). Proprietor Jennifer Toppin provided a varied menu of options for our group to choose from – all very affordable, appetizing and in rather generous portions served in an inviting and spacious dining room.
After dinner and some last-minute browsing in Oak Bluffs, it was time to bid farewell to Martha’s Vineyard. Reflecting on the return ferry ride to Woods Hole, I was thankful that I was able to connect with Dee Dee. She truly exceeded my expectations and those of my group. We all felt that we had experienced more than we could have anticipated and knew that the next time we travel to Martha’s Vineyard, our first call would be to our new friend, Dee Dee Borza at HomeGrown Tours.
PS - TRIPADVISOR DID NOT OFFER THE OPTION OF GROUP TOUR IN THE SEGMENT FOR "WHAT SORT OF VIST WAS THIS". ALTHOUGH MY GROUP WAS NOT FAMILY BUT DID INCLUDE TEENS, I CHOSE THIS OPTION. THEREFORE, I WOULD SAY THAT MY EXPERIENCE WITH HOMEGROWN TOURS WAS WITH A GROUP OF HIGH SCHOOL AGE STUDENTS & THEIR CHAPERONES.